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Bold Venture Park and Darwen Tower

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Bold Venture Park and Darwen Tower

Author: chris12345, Published: 14 Dec 2015

Walk rating : Rating:

Lancashire, Blackburn

Walk Type: Footpaths and byways

Length: 2 miles, Difficulty:

Today's weather14 °C, Partly cloudy, Wind: 13 mph SW

Next few days: Hover over icon for more info.

A short walk from Bold Venture Park to Jubilee Tower on Darwen Moors. Jubilee Tower was built around 1896 to commemorate Queen Victoria's Jubilee year. More recently the tower lost its dome in high winds, but this was eventually replaced. You can climb the tower and on a clear day you can see for miles in all directions.

This is a fairly easy walk in terms of navigation (it is difficult to get lost), but there are a couple of steep sections which can be slippery so these need care. The path surfaces are generally very good. There is one gate to negotiate. Approximate time 1.5 hours.

The walk starts and finishes at the entrance to Bold Venture Park on Manor Road in Darwen, near Blackburn. There is free roadside parking available on Manor Road, Belgrave Road or anywhere near Bold Venture Park. Approximate post code BB3 2SN.

Walk Sections

Enter Bold Venture Park and choose either path through the top park. The scout hut should be on your left as you enter. Follow the path through the park and look out for the carved sculptures on the way. You can explore the bridges across the brook too if you wish. Walk up through the park until you reach the gate at the top.

On leaving the park via the gate, turn left and then turn to the right. Follow this path which heads up towards the tower, past the disused quarry (no admittance). This section is quite steep in some places and care should be taken not to slip.

From here the tower should be visible. You can walk all around it and also climb to the top. From the top you can see for miles on a clear day. You should be able to see Holcombe Tower and the TV masts on Winter Hill. There is also a good view over Darwen, Tockholes and parts of Blackburn. Another landmark is the India Mill Chimney.

Before you leave the tower don't forget to look at the Trig Point. Choose the right hand path (the one you came up) to make your way back down to Bold Venture Park. Be careful not to slip on the steep sections. It is easier to take in the views of Darwen on the way down too. Continue just to the junction from where you emerged from the park earlier.

At this point you can choose which path to take back down. Either go back through the park (retracing your steps from the outward leg), or as a good alternative, you can carry on straight ahead down the path which runs along the outside of the park.

If you have gone down the outside of the park then once you get to the houses you need to turn left to get you back to the start point. You will pass the scout hut on your left. If you have time why not have a wander around the bottom park (accessed on the opposite side of Manor Road). There are lots of interesting statues and monuments to discover.

Remember...the best way of following our walking guides is to use the iFootpath App (iOS and Android) where you will have all the information in the palm of your hand and see your exact location on the live map as you travel. You can also add comments, photos, ratings and track your own routes.

The information in this guide has been provided in good faith and is intended only as a guide, not a statement of fact. You are advised to check the accuracy of the information provided and should not use this guide for navigational directions nor should you rely on the accuracy of the weather forecast. You are advised to take appropriate clothing, footwear, equipment and navigational materials with you according to the current and possible weather and nature of the terrain. Always follow the country code and follow any additional warnings or instructions that may be available. Some walks may be very strenuous and you are advised to seek medical advice if you have any doubts as to your capability to complete the walk.

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